DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 on Wednesday after taking two days off before losing 116-111 in Game 4.
Luka Doncic's injury situation continues to be an important storyline to monitor. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told reporters after Tuesday's practice that Doncic is considered likely to play in Game 5 in Los Angeles, but the injury was described as “sore right knee.” The injury was later changed to a “right knee sprain.''
April 28, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, 77, laughs during his first game
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Doncic wore a new wrap around his right leg while watching practice on Tuesday. Although the media only saw him shooting free throws during that period, Kidd described his participation as “he was doing everything.”
Doncic acknowledged that his knee hurts, but he didn't want to use it as an excuse for his performance. “Obviously it hurts, but that shouldn't be an excuse. I just came out a little sloppy, so… I had to,” he said. It's much better than that. ”
Doncic has struggled to shoot the ball and get to the rim so far in the series, but he has made an even bigger impact on the team, especially his superstar backcourt partner Kyrie Irving, who is coming off a 40-point performance. The desire to do so has not waned.
“I had to help him more. I had to be there because I feel like I was letting him down. I had to help him more. “It was,” Doncic said. “He gave everything he had and was great for us throughout the series.”
The Mavericks will be without Tim Hardaway Jr., who suffered a setback during practice Tuesday. He limped off the court during a 5-on-5 game, apparently due to an issue with his ankle. He suffered a sprained right ankle in Game 2 in Los Angeles and has been sidelined since then. It's doubtful he'll play in Game 5.
